Remodeling in Scottsdale: Creating a More Energy Efficient Home

Saving money on energy costs is a top priority for many homeowners today.

While you may think that you need to dramatically adjust your daily lifestyle in order to see a significant reduction in energy costs, you might be surprised to learn that you can save hundreds of dollars a year by following just a few helpful tips.

At Republic West Remodeling, we hear from many Scottsdale homeowners who typically spend a significant amount of money upgrading their homes with everything from new kitchens, bathrooms and flooring to counters and more. And while you do want to gradually improve the overall aesthetic look of your home from time to time, it’s also important to upgrade it from a functional standpoint, as well.

If you are still in the consideration phase regarding a potential home remodel, the following are some easy, affordable and simple tips that can help you make your home more energy efficient:

Have You Heard of Vampire Energy Consumption?

When industry experts refer to the phrase, vampire energy consumption, they are talking about a special term that relates to energy your appliances and equipment use when they are not actually being used.

For instance, did you know that your TV, stereo and toaster are all plugged in and continue to use a small amount of electricity even when you are not actively using them? They may use energy while you are away from home at work, traveling or even at night while you are sleeping. These are just a few of the appliances that use a small amount of energy when not in use, and this vampire energy consumption can add up over the course of a year. By unplugging this equipment, you can save money.

One easy way to accomplish this with your laptop, home entertainment system or other electrical components is to plug several of them into a single power strip. Then, all you have to do is simply flip the switch on the power strip to stop the drain of energy – versus individually unplugging each of the appliances and equipment.

Replace Your Home’s Light Bulbs

You may not think that a small light bulb can use a lot of energy, but in reality, you may burn many bulbs in your home for hours and hours each evening. It’s no secret that there’s been a number of innovative light bulbs made available to consumers in recent years, and many of the top models with the ENERGY STAR rating can significantly reduce energy consumption when it comes to lighting. An added bonus: these bulbs are also designed to last much longer.

It’s important to note that while some of these newer light bulbs have a higher up-front cost, you will definitely save money on both energy and replacement costs over the years.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

The door leading from the outside into your home is a common area for air leakage. Consider installing a door sweep to seal the gap here. With this approach, you can prevent conditioned inside air from escaping while blocking outside air from getting in. This method also helps keep your indoor living spaces more comfortable and your energy bills lower.

Looking for additional ways to make your home more energy efficient while remodeling your home in Scottsdale? At Republic West Remodeling, we use only the highest-quality materials and install everything for maximum dependability.

By combining superior materials, skilled workmanship and the industry’s best warranties, you can be assured that your remodeling project represents a smart total investment.

Scott Wallace has a passion for design and architecture. He founded Habitat Renovations as an offshoot of his two furniture store businesses, Thingz Contemporary Living and Boulevard Urban Living, with the goal of providing a broader range of design and construction services to his clientele. Scott and his wife Susie have been serving homeowners in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area for 15 years. Habitat Renovations merged with Republic West Remodeling in January of 2019.